Renting a self-storage unit presents some benefits, whether you store on a short-term or long-term basis. Hence why both households and businesses consider it a wise investment and one of the most ideal storage solutions they can get. Many self-storage providers guarantee safe and convenient storage, making it an even more agreeable option for people who are in need of extra storage space. However, as much as you want to get one to store your excess items, there are still a couple of things you have to take into consideration, such as your budget. Aside from the things you will need to store, the budget plays a vital role in the kind of storage facility you will land on and what unit size you will be getting.
Thus the term rental, a self-storage unit is obviously not for free and it comes with certain features such as safety and security measures. There’s also an option for you to choose between a non-climate controlled and climate-controlled storage unit to suit your storage preferences. Now, the question is — is the budget up for it? Asking yourself this question is important because self-storage units can appear expensive, especially if it’s not included in your budget or you don’t plan it accordingly.
The main idea here is to help you get the most out of your investment and at the same time find ways for you to save on self-storage costs. As you read on, take note that costs may vary depending on the following factors: location, length of storage, security, unit size, accessibility, and insurance. It is up to you to decide on these things with the potential allocated budget you have for storage rental; this article will simply list down tips to help you weigh what to do as you plan your budget.
Compare Quotes From Different Self-Storage Providers
One of the ways you can save on self-storage costs is to do your own research first on all storage facilities in your area. Contact each one of them and inquire of their storage rates, services, as well as the features included. Once you have gathered all the information and quotes based on the storage unit that you need, it’s time to compare each one of them. Which one of them serves you best in terms of overall convenience and cost?
Be Smart in Picking a Location
When it comes to self-storage, location plays quite a significant role one way or the other, particularly for people who plan to visit their storage unit every month and access their things — since it has to be nearby. But in the case of some households and businesses who don’t intend to visit frequently, location isn’t really everything because cost-cutting outweighs it. You can consider getting a location that’s a bit farther away from where you live if it will cost you less. As we have mentioned above, the cost of self-storage may vary depending on the location, so this would mean that each storage location has different rates. Say, for example, you live in a commercial area where the storage facility is close by — you can expect that the rates will be higher compared to other storage locations in non-commercial or local areas outside. That’s why you have to plan carefully.
Avoid Paying for Features You Don’t Really Intend to Use
As much as it is tempting to get features that are seemingly good for a time, it is not the best decision to make every time. Keep in mind that if you don’t intend to use this feature or it will not benefit you in most parts of your storage rental, then don’t think of even paying for it, especially if it is not initially part of your existing budget. This is a practical tip to take with you when you’re trying to stay on budget. In addition, you should do your own research and make sure to inquire about these certain features first to help you determine whether you really need them or you can just do away with them.
Consider this:
- Do you need a climate-controlled storage unit for your things?
- How much should you spend on the insurance coverage?
Opt for the Right Storage Unit Size
Choosing the right storage unit size is crucial for both your budget and storage needs. If you make a mistake in choosing the wrong unit size, you can either end up paying for more than what you need or not have enough space to store everything. So it’s a must that you pay close attention to the size you will choose and consider what kind and how many items you will be putting up for storage.
In determining the storage unit size you will be getting based on your storage need, you can ask yourself these questions:
- How many items will be put up for storage?
- What type/kind of items will you be storing?
- How long will you store your things?
- Do you plan to add more items in the long run?
- Are they large and bulky?
Related: How to Choose the Right Storage Unit Size For Your Storage Needs
We hope that these tips serve you well in planning your self-storage budget!
Looking for a self-storage facility nearby to store your belongings? Contact us today and we will be glad to assist you!
